The Case for Entrepreneurship

What does entrepreneurship even mean? If at first glance the word “entrepreneur” sounds French to you, you’d be right. It’s a French word coined by economist Jean-Baptiste Say meaning, “adventurer.” However, my favorite definition would have to be: “someone who creates something that was originally not in existence.” Though today, anything involving entrepreneurship relates to starting a business venture. Picture great entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates or Warren Buffett. Next, think about their lives and how they achieved their dreams. The following demonstrates my case for pursuing an entrepreneurial lifestyle rather than working for anyone else.

1.) Choose what you do and how you do it

Think about it. Do you like to be told what to do all of the time? Does anyone really like staying to a strict nine to five schedule? Are you defining your life or living what others decide for you?

As an entrepreneur you’ll be able to define your own roles and when you do them. Sure, you might have to work eighty hour weeks. But, you can decide when you want to get up in the morning. And doing what you love definitely makes that a bit easier. Really, what’s going to make you jump out of your covers and carpe that diem? For some, it’s writing super special awesome blog posts, but honestly, it depends on the person.

2.) Safety is a myth

If the recent financial crisis can show us anything, it’s that jobs can easily come and go. Why would you invest in a company whose leadership you aren’t a part of? What if tomorrow you were laid off?A lot of individuals prefer the idea of a “safe path”, where a steady paycheck and structured lifestyle appeals to them. But, there are also those individuals who prefer developing their own path. As a small business owner, you’d have the opportunity to call the shots, pursue your passions, and work towards obtaining financial security while doing something you love!

3.) Why be bored?

It sounds absurd. More than once, I’ve heard the saying, “Just climb the corporate ranks for 40 years and eventually you’ll be at the top.” What? Why? If I were to do that I’d surely go crazy! I can barely eat the same thing for a week and go crazy. Doing things for that many years is out of the question. Don’t do that. Do what you like and when you like it.

Being a leader, employees will constantly look to you for direction and problem solving. Therein, it’s both a blessing and a curse as you have to put out “small fires” all day. You’re never bored, but then again, you’re always busy.

4.) Change the world

As an entrepreneur, you’ll be able to choose your role. For example, you could be on the front lines and actually observe how your customers lives improve with your product or service. This could be through acting as a customer service representative or even salesmen.As a leader within the company, you’ll be improving the economy, providing jobs and fulfilling dreams. The possibilities remain endless and totally up to your imagination.

5.) Be an inspiration.

Personally, when I look back on my life I’d rather leave no stone unturned. In other words, life in my eyes is meant to be lived to the fullest extent. In 30 years when my kids are in my shoes I will say that if I can at least try to achieve my dream, so can they. Therefore, I expect nothing less from them.

It’s taking chances that give people courage to do the same. Would the world be the same without heroes like MLK or Ghandi changing the world and standing up for their beliefs?? It’s leaders like them that change nations.

In closing, I’ll include a quote from Jim Carrey discussing a lesson he learned from his father’s mistakes:

“…you can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.” – Jim Carrey